For several years in the early 1990’s, Amtrak would borrow some equipment from Chicago’s Metra to sub for Amtrak trains on the Chicago to Milwaukee “Hiawatha” corridor on Thanksgiving weekend. This would allow Amtrak to move the passenger cars and locomotives normally used on the run and expand capacity on other trains to handle increased holiday ridership. On November 30, 1991, Metra EMD E8(A) No. 518 and three bi-level commuter coaches crosses the Menomonee River Bridge at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The train will soon cross N. Plankinton Avenue grade crossing and enter Milwaukee’s Amtrak station trainshed.
The Empire Builder crosses the state on its way to St. Paul, Seattle and Portland. The Hiawatha Corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago is one of Amtrak's busiest routes.
